A Brief History of the Tarot

     The history of the tarot is one that has been shrouded in mystery for a very long time, and even today many will argue where and when the tarot made its first appearance.  Different people will tell you different origins of the tarot, some believe that they originated from ancient Egypt, while others believe they originated during the Middle Ages in Western Europe.  Still yet, others believe that they have come from a Celtic Pagan background.  The best that we can tell about the origin of the tarot is that it did in fact come from Europe.  The earliest known decks of Tarot that we still have in existence today come from Italy.  The two main decks that we have from this time are called the "Charles IV" deck, and also the "Visconti-Sforza" deck.  Although these are the earliest known decks that we still have, it truthfully does not establish the origins of the tarot.  More importantly then the origin of the tarot, is the associations or meanings that accompany each card.  The meanings of the cards have stayed consistent throughout the years.  The fact that the meanings have stayed so consistent is somewhat of a mystery.   There are many different decks available today, but you can compare different texts about the individual cards, and their meanings are very much the same.  

     Although there are many different tarot decks out there which range from simplistic to utterly stunning, the main deck that is in wide use today is the "Rider-Waite" deck.  The Rider-Waite deck is a very simplistic yet nice looking deck, and it is no wonder why it is the most popular.  The visuals on the cards help the beginner to learn the meanings, and also help to stir the subconscious, while they still offer the advanced reader much more symbolic meaning.  Different types of tarot cards are only numbered by the amount of different people out there.  Some decks are extremely artistic, and others are not, but overall the cards generally represent the same meanings and those meanings are evident throughout the visuals on the cards.

     It is not difficult to find a deck that you will connect with.  There are decks out there that represent all the different types of people.  The main deck that I use is called the "Robin Wood" deck and it has a Celtic theme.  The way the deck is themed is usually the most important factor in selecting one deck over another.  But when you do start searching for a deck, be sure to look over the pictures very carefully, and see if you connect with them.  Tarot cards contain many symbols which stir up certain feelings in the subconscious.  It it very important that you look them over carefully.  Eventually as you start to grow with the tarot, you may outgrow the deck you are using.  Simply look for another deck that you enjoy, and rather then throwing out your old deck, keep it, or give it to someone else as a gift.  Its nice when doing a reading for someone if you are able to pull out a deck with a lot of personal history behind it. 

     It may also be a good thing to use a ritual to connect yourself with your cards.  I like to take a white cloth and dab it with a little essential oil and rub each card through the whole deck.  It also might be a good idea to keep your cards in a box or a pouch of some sort.  Be sure to pay attention to all the details when selecting something to store them in.  Different colors mean different things, and likewise the color of your pouch or box, may influence your readings.  Most importantly, enjoy your tarot cards, and know that you are participating in a timeless and historical journey into self discovery.

     Growing within, sometimes means growing without.                  

David River